WALES boss John Toshack last night handed Wrexham’s Steve Evans a vote of confidence after the defender’s red card during Sunday’s derby with Shrewsbury at the Racecourse

Sent off twice already this season, Evans now faces a five-match League Two ban but Toshack said that would not affect his prospects of being involved in the two important European Championship qualifiers coming up next month.

The 28-year-old defender followed up a debut against Liechtenstein with another solid performance in Northern Ireland, and Toshack confirmed he would be in the squad for the Group D matches against the Republic of Ireland and San Marino.

“In fairness to Steve, his performances for Wales could not be faulted,” said the Wales boss.

“During the second half of the game against Northern Ireland in Belfast we came under some severe pressure, but Steve stood firm with a number of younger lads around him.

“So he would be in my squad for the forthcoming games, although his ban means he might have gone a month without playing.”

Toshack’s first choice defenders, West Ham’s Danny Gabbidon and James Collins have been injured for much of the season and the Wales boss admitted they face a race against time to be involved next month.

“We are keeping our fingers crossed but I’d have no problem playing Steve,” he added. “If he was suspended from playing for Wales, it would not stop him playing club football, so there’s no moral dilemma for me. But let’s not forget his loss to Wrexham in their current situation is a major blow for the club, never mind us.”

Meanwhile, Toshack said he was delighted that Wales are to play a first-ever international match against New Zealand at the Racecourse on Saturday, May 26.